Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed has an earthy and nutty flavor with a fluffy, slightly chewy texture.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Fruit Smoothie 1 (with yogurt)
Bright orange smoothies in glasses with straws.

Fruit Smoothie 1 (with yogurt)

A delicious homemade fruit-flavored shake for breakfast, snack or on the go!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Spicy Rice and Ground Beef Casserole
Casserole dish with rice, beef and vegetables with melted cheddar cheese.

Spicy Rice and Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and tasty dish that combines filling rice, lean ground beef, southwest-style veggies and creamy cheddar cheese.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Wontons
Bowl of wontons with a chicken and vegetable filling.

Wontons

Fresh flavors of ginger, sesame, and green onion in this fun and healthy meal.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
36 wontons
Orange Delight
Footed glass filled with a frothy orange juice drink.

Orange Delight

Cool, refreshing, and sure to hit the spot on a hot day.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew
bowl of Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew

Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew

Enjoy a bowl of this slow cooker stew that is full of vegetables and umami flavors.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
3 to 8 hours
Makes:
10 cups
Peach Sundae
Small bowls of yogurt with a soft peach topping.

Peach Sundae

A 5-minute yogurt peach sundae with juicy peaches, sweet brown sugar and warm cinnamon.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.